On May 31, 2001, a Luscombe 8F (registration N1389B) was involved in an aviation accident near Salem, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power during cruise flight for an undetermined reason. A factor in the accident was tall grass in the landing area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced a sudden loss of engine power during cruise, prompting a forced landing to an open field. The pilot intentionally stalled before touchdown, but the main landing gear collapsed upon landing. Post-accident examination found no mechanical malfunction.
Accident Sequence
The first pilot reported that the airplane was in a level cruise configuration at an altitude of approximately 1,300 to 1,400 feet MSL when the engine suddenly lost power. After confirming the engine failure, the pilot initiated an off-airport forced landing to an open field approximately 2.5 miles from Salem, Oregon. The pilot intentionally stalled the airplane just before touchdown in an effort to prevent the aircraft from flipping onto its back in the tall grass. Upon touchdown, the main landing gear collapsed.
Post-Accident Examination
A representative from the Portland, Oregon, Flight Standards District Office examined the wreckage and found no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure of the airframe, engine, or associated components. The airplane's carburetor was shipped to the manufacturer for further examination and testing. Representatives from Precision Aviation Products Corporation and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted flow bench testing and disassembly of the carburetor, which revealed no abnormalities.